Meet the judges! They decide which band makes the cut

The event, which is being held in partnership between Parkrand Primary School and Music Mate, and in media partnership with the Boksburg Advertiser, brings you the event that has brought to life a brand-new competition for youngsters seeking to have their music heard.

The competition is based on a band having that first hit that will catapult them to stardom – the song that will secure them a place in the final – and, hopefully, win them a chance to record it.

This will enable them to take the hit to radio and promote it in cyberspace, such as on YouTube and other social media platforms.

So, we thought it best you meet the judges who will be ensuring the winners their prizes:

Johnny Birin

Johnny Birin is the owner of JB Studios and has been playing and producing music professionally for 35 years.

JB Recording Studios is based in the Glendower Place Shopping Centre, at 99 Linksfield Road, and specialises in vocal and band recording – they also do movie overdubbing as well as producing radio and television adverts.

Whether it is an Afrikaans, English, Zulu, gospel, house or classical album, JB Recording studios has all the state-of-the-art equipment to meet your needs. Find them at www.jbrecordingstudios.co.za.

Lilly Million

Lilly Million has been compared to the legendary likes of Tracy Chapman. Her debut album On Love, Truth and Freedom manages to deliver a high standard.

It is a fusion of her love of organic folk and powerful pop and soulful rock, lyrically questioning truth, politics, current affairs, freedom and, of course, love.

In 2014, after coming to firm grips with her faith, Lilly Million decided to take a leap and move into Christian contemporary music. She left her previous label and has gone on to join the Christian entertainment powerhouse – Fresh Impressions.

In a few short months Lilly has collaborated with Abel Chungu (Zambia) on the song Superman Stronger, which is on his latest album, Love Unleashed.

Lilly has also since recorded and released her first gospel offering, entitled A Traveller’s Rest, which tackles the rocky road walked by believers, while still maintaining her original, authentic and quirky sound.

Sam Walker

Sam Walker, Music Mate’s key accounts manager, has been involved in the music industry for about 15 years in various forms.

In addition to the various roles at Music Mate, he was lead vocalist for the band Eight Year Itch, who were signed to Gresham Records, receiving airplay on both local and national radio stations.

Sam has been involved in various other bands throughout the years, playing around the country, as well as on the corporate scene, in places such as Sun City, Emperors Palace and even Botswana.

His influences include Queen, Collective Soul, Breaking Benjamin, Live, Dave Matthews and many more.

Leandi Cameron

Leandi Cameron is the assistant editor and entertainment journalist of the Advertiser.

Her history in music started with her father, Kobus ”Rossi” Rostoll, where his career as a musician started with Johnny Collini as lead guitarist and backup lead and songwriter. The band’s song, That’s Why God Made the World became a number 13 hit on the South African Top 20 in 1970, charting for eight weeks.

Rossi received his first recording contract with EMI in 1974, with his band Exodus, when he was only 21 years old. Rossi played lead guitarist and backup lead.

He further played backup lead and vocals on soundtracks for John Edmond – who had many hit songs, including Toy Train.

He further sang backup and played lead guitarist for Malie Kelly, who also worked as a voice coach on SA Idols.

Rossi wrote the Rock Opera, which was performed at Sun City. He further played and sang at the inaugural ball for the mayor of Bloemfontein at that time.

He later became an electronics design engineer, and dedicated his time to his family and daughters, Leandi and Vikki, named after Vicky Leandros. From a young age they were brought up with music, singing, and Leandi leant to play the drums, while Vikki played guitar.

Leandi started writing songs at an early age, and Rossi added the music to her songs. Leandi took her writing career into journalism and becoming an author of the young-adult novel, A Tale of the Other Kind.

Brian Kotzen

Brian Kotzen has being teaching for 25 years, and has been at Parkrand Primary School for five years. He teaches Grade Six mathematics , and Grade Six and Seven social sciences.

He is head of department for sport and takes an active role as safety officer.

He gets involved in every aspect of the school and often serves as MC for fundraising events, honorary evenings and sports events. Kotzen has a passion for teaching and development of young learners into well-adjusted young adults.